Marcos signs Magna Carta for Filipino seafarers into law

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. signed the proposed Magna Carta for Filipino seafarers into law on Monday, September 23, at the Malacañang Palace.

During his speech, the President emphasized that the law is not just a tribute to Filipino seafarers for their sacrifices but also “a call to weave together a future that they can be proud of”.

The Republic Act (RA) No. 12021 or “An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers” aims to protect seafarers’ rights and promote their welfare while they work abroad. 

Marcos emphasized that the Magna Carta would strengthen the legal framework to ensure Filipino seafarers receive appropriate training, secure contracts, fair wages, and benefits.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero noted that the newly-signed law is expected to benefit more than half a million Filipino seafarers. It can also foster growth in the country’s maritime industry and improve the quality of life for Filipino seafarers.

Escudero stressed that the law outlines several rights for seafarers, including the right to fair terms and conditions of work, self-organization and collective bargaining, educational advancement and training at reasonable and affordable costs, access to information, the right to a seafarer’s family or next of kin to be informed, and the right to protection against discrimination.

He added that the law will grant Filipino seafarers the right to safe passage and travel, consultation, free legal representation, immediate medical attention, access to communication, a record of employment or certificate of employment, and fair treatment in the event of a maritime accident.

It can be recalled that the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers was expected to be signed by Marcos into law on February 26 this year, however, it was retracted at the last minute despite having been classified as urgent.

-30-